Expert: Dan Griffin - 2/17/2011

Question
we are looking modulars right now to put on a lot we own. We are trying to decide between a foundation or a crawl space, we live in southwest pa.  what would a crawl space cost, compared to a foundation, would that be the best way to go. Very interested in your opinion

Answer
Barbara, I think we aren't using the same terms.  A crawl space is created by installing a foundation that holds the floor slightly above grade.  The other choice would be a full basement. The stem walls of the crawl space or the basement walls sit on a foundation.  The size of the foundation is detemined by the type of soil, bearing capacity of the soil, and weight of walls and house imposed on the foundation.  About the only other choice is to use a slab, but I've never heard of a moudular home being installed on a slab.  The slab still has a perimeter foundation to carry the loads involved.

You may be referencing spot or pad footing plugs.  These will probably not meet code if this will be performed in an area with code compliance requirements.  Pads would require much heavier insulation in the floor and special provisions for utilities.  I would not recommend for a permanent home.